When commencing your dog training, it is best that you know all of the different options you have available to you. It is possible to find many types of training, in lots of different places. These types of training lessons can vary in price with each one of them having something different to offer both you and your dog.
Puppy Preschool
As the name suggests this first type of lessons can be known as puppy preschool. Typically this course is meant for puppies aged from 6 weeks to 5 months old. These puppy preschool classes will in general last for 6 to 8 weeks, although they can last longer depending on the average age of the puppies in the class and the class size. In these training lessons, you and your puppy are taught the basics of socializing with other people and other puppies. Further to this you will be taught the basic skills which will enable you to teach your puppy to begin to learn how to sit down, stay and how to come on command.
Basic Dog Training Lessons
This type of course would usually benefit dogs that have had some previous training and are at least 6 months old. This basic dog training typically will be in course form and will last about 8 to 10 weeks; this should be enough time to impart the basic knowledge and commands into both the dog owners and the dogs themselves.
This is the basic course, and you would expect to be taught how to train your dog to
walk correctly on a leash, how to sit, how to stay, the down and the heel command.
Intermediate Dog Training
This third type of course is generally known as intermediate dog training. Usually the aim of this training is to reinforce the lessons learned in the basic dog training course but in much greater detail building on the previous skills and experience both the dog owner and the dog have gained.
The intermediate training generally lasts up to 10 weeks, and is intended for dogs that are 5 months or older. Some professionals feel it is essential for participating dogs to have completed the basic training course to get the most out of this training, should your dog not be used to the basic training or commands not only will it hold his training back, but it could put him off further training. So it is important that your dog has become accustomed to the basic commands and understands what is expected of him.
Advanced Dog Training
The next type of course is known as the advanced dog training course. Again this course will be using elements of the previous course to build upon what the dog owner and dog have learned up to that time. This level of training will be much more detailed. Typically your dog will be taught how to sit without you in his field of vision.
This course can last up to 10 weeks and should only be attempted by those owners and dogs that have completed their intermediate training. On this course you can expect your dog to be trained to walk beside their owners off the leash. This training course prepares the dog and his owner to take the Canine Good Citizen training course.
Canine Good Citizen Training
The Canine Good Citizen training for dogs is the final course. In order to pass this course, your dog will be taught the 10 essential aspects. This course has strict entry criteria and is meant for those dogs and owners that have completed all the previous courses.
The tests for this course are tough and your dog will only be passed if he is very well behaved. The length of this particular course depends on how quickly it takes your dog to be ready and passes the required tests.
Bearing this information in mind should enable you to make an informed decision about what training course will be best for you and your dog. It may be worth your while to seek the opinion of a local professional trainer who may be able to help you with your decision. Most quality dog trainers will give you and your dog a first consultation for free.
This information should help you make an educated judgment about the best course and the best way to introduce your beloved dog to the wonderful world of dog training.
